Zoe
With this kind of complicated premise, it would have been helpful if they hashed out the “rules” of the personalities a little more.
I didn't expect this show to be so funny. But seven personalities in one body can get you into a lot of interesting situations.
Can we just give Ji Sung 10 million awards? This guy deserves all the stars.
This drama really put this actor through the loops. The characters and challenges that Ji Sung goes through in this drama to create different personalities in really wacky situations is so phenomenal. What an actor. What. An. Actor.
Do Hyun
Do Hyun is compassionate and gentle. He is at a disadvantage because he doesn't remember what happens when his other personalities are in control. The other personalities do remember and so they make deliberate attempts to confuse Do Hyun in order to be in control of the body. It was very strange to have the one personality leaving video messages for Do Hyun to find when he re-awoke. Also, his other personalities are enemies with himself. Do Hyun takes full responsibility for his actions when he wakes up – the poor fellow! You'd think that after all this time he'd just try and not show his face to the numerous people he's offended but he awkwardly strives to make things right.
It was interesting to see Do Hyun take some really active and practical measures to monitor his mental health to stop the personalities from kicking in. He was determined.
Shin Se Gi
Hello guyliner. This personality is smart and conniving. He knows how to pretend to be Do Hyun. He's the bad boy personality and the bad guy all wrapped up into one. I liked how the drama made a point of Se Gi having to bear the brunt of Do Hyun's unpleasant experiences and how he is the protector.
The ongoing fight that Do Hyun has with this character is sinister and intense but also very heart-breaking.
Yo Sub
Yo Sub was a bit cliché at first but he really brings out a beautiful side of Ri Jin and his character improves. Again, Ji Sung's quiet portrayal of him is intense and effective.
Ri Jin
She does a lot of yelling. When she's happy she screams, when she's angry, she screams. When she's drunk, she screams. She gets irritated a lot. I preferred her sweet side which is unusual for me. I usually like the ferocity of a heroine but Ri Jin's shining moments were when she was sharing her heart and quietly expressing feelings. That's when she seemed the most genuine.
A lot of the times she has so little common sense that it frustrates me. But other times, her psychiatric brain is working just fine and she just has the perfect comebacks.
But her dramatic moments seemed like overacting. It was hard to tell if it was just Ri Jin's superficial personality or the actress' weird portrayals of her.
Siblings
Ri On and Ri Jin are awesome sibs. They're great. It's the cutest. Ri On as a brother is way better than a boring best friend sidekick. He is so brilliant and funny. I really really liked this guy. His comic and tragic side is beautiful. I like that his dark side isn't even part of the main tragedy but it's just as heartbreaking but in a different way. He's just so wrapped up because he loves his sister. And when he turns on the serious badass side? Daaamn.
Ki Joon
I liked this guy a lot even though he had to play a stereotypical bad guy. But his expression was far from boring. His portrayal of the uptight guy who seems put together but will explode if things don't go his way, is flawless.
You know it's a good drama when I've got way too much to say about every character. How amazing is Ri Jin's mother? That compassionate and maternal look on her face is so beautiful.
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The drama is really one of the best when it comes to depicting the serious content. It never felt like it was trying too hard to make me feel. It was simple but effective.
I liked that other characters had strong deductive reasoning as well. It's not all about the god-like Professor Bo.
The plot has a twist! How I love twists. The lead up to the ending is really thrilling. Oh so good.
Jin Yan
“Are you using Li Xun Ran's life to gamble with me?”
“Analysing the mind of a perverted madman is my job, not a gamble.”
I think this is the first time I was convinced that the hero wasn't necessarily trying to be mean, he was just speaking his mind. Jin Yan is very direct. He is not good with people. I like that he's not picky about cleanliness or order. Most of the time, characters with his type of personality will be meticulous and OCD, but that's not really his thing.
Jin Yan's straight face is actually quite comical. The actor makes use of body language to give his character a lot of personality. His forwardness means he can ask questions that progress the relationship along quicker but as the viewer you're not really sure what it means that he's asked.
He also has a bit of a naughty side that he delivers so deadpan I can't help but laugh.
“You kissed the President?”
“Yes. During the climax of catching the criminal, I went out of my way to kiss my own sister. Are you thinking that I left my IQ and morality behind?”
Jin Yan is such a great character. It's hard to describe him. He is stiff, but never boring. He cares but is never kind. He's blunt and a little mean but not rude. He is open to learning more about “normal people” but on his terms. His progression into a human is really subtle and fabulous. I loved the unraveling of his personality. He smiles a lot to himself which makes him more accessible. He's not a diva.
I think the interesting thing about him, is that most Korean heroes have the two sides to them, but for Jin Yan, even when he is acting cute, he is still intimidating and even when he's humbly following instructions.
I like that he doesn't think he's a monster. That he knows full well who that title goes to. And the drama also emphasises how he doesn't identify with the murderers. That even though he understands them it's because of talent not because of some sinister connection or that there's something wrong with him.
Romance
This is probably my first time that I swooned over the heroine's romantic lines rather than the hero's. But Yao Yao's beautiful delivery was really touching.
Jin Yan is pretty much always respectful towards Yao Yao which is something you can't say of many heroes. And I like that he appreciates her intelligence and seeks out her input on the cases.
The pair have a very functional relationship right from the beginning. Their dynamic is really enjoyable.
I liked the flirty undertones and how Jin Yan really conveys his admiration for Jian Yao. I love that in a hero. He trusts her.
As the drama goes on, he becomes more relaxed and funny.
However, when he really starts to pursue her, I found the romantic activities a little jarring. It was almost like he had no heart in it, but rather was using formula as a means to an end.
However, once they get together, the drama moves away from focusing on their relationship. I was glad for that because romantic Jin Yan is kind of creepy.
Zi Yu
Zi Yu at first seems like the stereotypical sidekick. He's a good sidekick. He knows Jin Yan's quirks well. I love the little conversation he had with Yao about his best friend.
“His emotional intelligence is basically zero.”
He has some really awesome moments when he's got Jin Yan's back.
Jian Yao
This heroine is amazing. She's very firm right from the start. Unafraid to be a little rude but isn't bratty at all. She doesn't fall for any of Jin Yan's games (not that he plays a lot) and she can give him a fine and sophisticated setdown.
As one of the characters says, Jian Yao is both book smart and street smart which is refreshing in a heroine.
Despite considerable desensitisation to serial killer plots, I was terrified right along with Jian Yao.
I felt Jian Yao's horror towards Jin Yan but similar to her, also felt the curiosity of the mystery and the intrigue of the hunt.
She's efficient and capable.
Towards the second half of the drama, her character sort of withers away. She doesn't become annoying, she just becomes very unimportant to the plot.
It's been a while see a drama really gripped me. I was looking for a drama that would cheer me up and was trying for all the comedies, but nothing worked like the satisfaction of a good drama regardless of genre.
P.S. The book that this drama is based on is really good. You can read how Fu Zi Yu and Jin Yan become friends. It's awesome.
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I did originally watch this for the comedy and I wasn't feeling it until Episode 5 when really every character just goes wild. I laughed so much and I'm not much of a LOL-er.
I sped watched the first few episodes to get a feel for this drama. There's one main secret and all the characters responses to it are so hilarious the way they try to keep it hidden or try to reveal it. There's a lot of raised eyebrows and winking.
I think the interesting thing is that a lot of the troublemakers will talk big but they in the end don't really want to hurt each other.
Towards the middle of the drama there enters a new character who really spices everything up.
The ex-girlfriends completely go crazy with their own agendas.
The outrageous scenarios in this drama and the chaotic feel is nailed so perfectly. I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop, but not in a bad anticipation, it was very satisfying when they had their knock-em-down-drag-em-out moments.
I could feel the face-palming that each of the characters wanted to do every time.
The ending takes on a different tone, but it's still a lot of fun and really holds its own. I like that it simmers down on the comedy aspect and instead finishes off with a deeper exploration of the characters that makes me feel more connected with them.
I was watching a Chinese dr ama at the same time as this and I just have to say, Korean dramas just capture the feels so well. And they portray people with so much heart. The actors put a lot of personality into their moments that make their relationship and their drama unique.
Myeong Soo
I bumped the rating of this drama up another .5 points because of this guy. I just really liked his personality.
I think after watching Rooftop Prince it was nice to have a hero who was an ordinary guy – not too up himself and willing to help without a hidden agenda. I really enjoyed his soothing demeanour.
He's more boyish than childish which is a big difference and he doesn't have a hint of arrogant chaebol.
He's really funny and never failed to amuse me.
I really like that he makes an effort to maintain good terms with Soo Jin. Myeong Soo is even quite physically affectionate.
His exasperated face always made me laugh. And he is exasperated a lot surrounded by four crazy women that he genuinely cares about but has no idea what to do with.
Romance
Myeong Soo and Soo Jin have a great relationship as friends. They gel together beautifully. And I love how they joke around so physically like mates. They have a lot of fun together and I love their inside jokes.
I liked their unusual dynamic. They don't hate each others guts and get along so well. Both of them know how to give in so it feels like an equal relationship. Financially, socially, and occupationally, they are equal as well. I really liked the even playing field.
Soo Jin
I like that Soo Jin isn't overly sensitive to insults.
She's not a young, inexperienced thing either.
“Being passionate is so yesterday.” she's not endlessly cheery and optimistic.
I love that she stood up to the Lioness and even the Lioness was scared of her.
Also, random note, how classy does Song Ji Hyo look with her hair up? And I liked her cute glasses.
The Ex Girlfriends
“Because we're going around together, my intelligence is evaporating.”
I kind of like how they all had their personalities but all had the weakness of Myeong Soo.
I liked seeing them go from enemies, grudging allies to friends...and then back to enemies.
There are no elders but these three are so freakin' meddlesome and always picking sides.
Director Jo
This guy just made everything so damn interesting. I love in the second part how sinister his takeover is. Also, because of the situation, pretty much every single one of his lines is sarcastic. It was so hilarious how he became a part of the gang. Although, “Why did you become one team with that abnormal bunch?” was a very appropriate line. He also has this face that constantly looks like he's thinking, “Oh why is this happening to me?”
His banter with Myeong Soo is a cracker.
“How long are you going to follow Soo Jin around?”
“Longer than you will.”
“Didn't you get rejected by Soo Jin last time?”
“'Aigoo, that's the first part of the long process of pushing and pulling. This person only watched the opening and thinks he's watched the entire movie.”
“There are many movies in which the opening is the only good part.”
[both reach for the rice cake] “Eat something else.”
“I picked it first.”
“You were the one who cut in.”
“You didn't even look at it first!”
“Why are you challenging me after I picked it up?”
“Aren't you trying to take something that I had in mind from the beginning?”
Soo Jin - “Um..excuse me, there are lots of rice cakes. Lots of potatoes too.”
Music
The music is very appropriate and works well with the drama. While I wouldn't say it's good music, I do think it's a progressive step towards more diverse soundtracks in Korean dramas.
The Ending
It's obvious it was a quick wrap up because the loose ends were suddenly shoved together in a HEA.
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Towards the end, the plot gets more melodramatic and improves vastly in my opinion. The theme of the mystery never got old and only got more intriguing. And the drama ties up with one heck of an ending. I loved it.
Romance
I always appreciate it when a heroine has to teach the hero. The couple's relationship isn't that great though. After all the trouble he puts her through and how rude he is to her, I didn't find his kind gestures that touching, but viewed them with the attitude that he owed her. She's quite weak towards any gentleness, but his cheap chivalry had me scoffing. I also unfortunately found their silly moments quite lame.
Park Ha
I like her face. I also like how she can intimidate the guys. When Lee Gak tries to get all high and mighty on her she just snaps at him and he responds with, “Yes Ma'am.”
Lee Gak
No complaints on the actor, who is phenomenal. I was amazed at his transformation between personalities. I just hated the character. I guess I have to keep reminding myself he was a Crown Prince and thinks he's all that. He continues with his historical voice which is quite annoying. But his moments of vulnerability are really satisfying.
He's very petty and conceited throughout the drama.
His best moments are when he's scaring the shit out of his cousin Tae Moo.
I also thought his angry acting was brilliant. And his menacing face is even better.
The Dudes
“Have you upset Park Ha...?”
“As a man, I believe that is a very pathetic move.”
I'm always a fan of squad goals. The servants are definitely one aspect of the drama that I enjoyed. They made me laugh a lot with their group mistakes and blind dedication to their prince. The thing they did best was when they were trying to learn something and their serious and synchronised attempts were so hilarious.
I think Yong Sul was my favourite.
Auntie Wang
This actress is always the bad guy in dramas so it was nice to see her in a bit of a different role. She's actually quite cute.
Sister
Se Na is a stereotypical bad egg. The drama goes way over the top to show what a terrible person she is. Why not just stamp “bad guy” on her forehead.
Although as the drama went on, I began to become more invested in her scenes. Her schemes, manipulation and ruthlessness, is pretty thrilling.
I also liked how Park Ha handled her and those glasses of water - he he he.
Music
It usually takes me a while to warm up to a soundtrack, but I loved this drama's music right from the start. Even the emotional music, which I usually find tacky to begin with struck a chord with me, which really enhanced my early viewing experience.
And there's this one soundtrack that every time I heard it, I really empathised with the Prince and forgave him for all his flaws because the music reminded me of his tragedy and his grief and his love for his wife.
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Perhaps this is a weird way to describe it. But this drama is full of genuine moments. They just did everything right to make me feel the intent and the emotion of the scenes.
Right from the start these boys are a lot of fun. They're such good pals and they get along so well. They're camaraderie is top notch. I liked how the drama showed how connected they are in the little things.
They're rebels who like to use their fists when they're not making music. But they know how to keep each other in check.
So the boys get transferred to a posh school and of course you have powerplays among the students. These kids act like total gang members with their formations and their hierarchies.
I like the perspective that the boys might be a lot of trouble but they are sincere.
“They're scary, dirty, and it's best to avoid them.”
The way the boys transformed themselves for the sake of the school was really funny. It was sad to see them lose some of their team spirit as the drama went on and they got more demoralised. But of course if you don't see them fall apart then we'd never get to see how easy it is for them to forgive and forget. Also, when one of the big crises happens, it was really awesome to see how unreactionary they were to betrayal and how quick they were to hear his side of the story.
Ji Hyuk
“Why are you so fixated on your friends?”
“Cause without them, I have nothing.”
Sung Joon's character might have been the right hand man but he is connected to all the boys the most. The band says he's the most wild out of all of them but he's also the most soft-hearted. I was surprised at what a gentleman he is.
Ji Hyuk understands what makes people tick. Despite his foolish impulsivity, there's not a lot that slips by him.
Hyun Soo
L is actually a really great actor. His character is the grumpiest and the most uptight. His icy demeanour and his sneer is aces. He pulls off the slow blink really well.
Do Il
Do Il is the most loyal to Ji Hyuk and probably the least hyper out of all of them. He's very calm and doesn't say much. I did like him quite a lot.
Seung Hoon
“The thing I like the most about Seung Hoon is his anger management skills.”
I like this character. He was a great personality for Ji Hyuk to clash with and bounce off. He's the kind of guy that you say, “There's a reason he's the leader.” He's not just on a powertrip and he's full of surprises. I really liked that his infatuation with Su Ah wasn't as shallow as I initially thought.
What happens to him really gave me goosebumps.
The Girl
Su Ah can be annoying with her weak voice and demeanor but she does have her moments. Why does she talk like she's in a historical drama and half stoned? She is so dull.
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The plot moves quite quickly, which is great. Things develop pretty fast so there's always something happening instead of having to wait for things to get interesting.
This drama is really about understanding people and resolving differences when disagreements and clashes of personality arise.
Dalja
Dalja is a competent business woman. Do you know how happy this makes me? She's a great heroine. She's steely and sweet.
I was worried the whole drama would turn into a weird rom-com revenge. But she gets over it by the second episode.
I love this woman's resilience.
I did get tired of her putting on a front throughout the drama but she's a great and genuine actress and I was always rooting for her.
Girl Power
“We may be a couple of hopeless divorcees and an immature woman involved with a married man, but we can do well too.”
I do enjoy a good enemies-to-friends plot line. I love that grown women can hold hands in a show of companionship and compassion.
Romance
I like that Dal Ja feels quite free to share her troubles in the guise of sort of sharing her philosophy with the “younger chap” that is Tae Bong. I like the way he hangs onto her words when she's rambling to herself about her life.
Also, this drama has one of the best, “Will you date me?” scenes. THE BEST.
I like that Dalja can see past Tae Bong's front he puts up and really is quite wise in handling him. And I like the way she deals with his issues.
Relationally, Dalja can be quite good, but romantically, she's always asking advice for her colleagues. Poor Tae Bong who isn't as smart as he thinks he is when it comes to relationships, always thinks she's mad at him, he should've learned by now that she has no idea what she's doing.
Finally, when they do get together, it's nice to have a casual vibe, but I didn't really like their dynamic.
Later on in the drama, the shaping of the romantic tension was good. I liked the realistic scenarios and crises that came up for the couple. It's not every drama that I feel physical heartache for the angst.
Tae Bong
“The only truth about Kang Tae Bong, is that I've never lied to Dal Ja.”
I like that even though he verbally teases Dal Ja, he isn't petty. He wants to make her life better, not worse for his own amusement.
There's something about this guy that never quite convinced me. I didn't ever really fall in love with him. I couldn't connect with his character. There was a detachment for me because the drama focuses on the heroine so much. Also, his facial features aren't that expressive.
Wee Seon Joo
I liked how this character really underwent such a transformation and how her relationships with the other characters developed. Most of the time I don't like women with her kind of voice, but I grew quite fond of her tone.
And the completion of her transformation in the last episode was absolutely hilarious.
Elders
The elder situation for Tae Bong is pretty funny.
Dalja's situation is good as well. I feel like it's been a while since I've seen such a lovely mother relationship.
Dalja's grandma is also really amusing.
Secondary characters
I loved how everyone became important and added something to the drama.
Her office staff are pretty cool and supportive of her. I like how they are both in awe of her and also treat her like the office pet because she was always does nice things for them.
Rep Eom
This guy and his secretary cracked me up.
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This drama was exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed giggling through this.
Kim Seul Gie is great, of course. I like the idea of her not being a good student in modern times but in Joseon times it doesn't matter because she is still going to know much more than the most advanced scholar.
Her personality is both cute and confrontational. She takes over the historical world with her modern attitude. Her audaciousness is so fabulous. I mean, she doesn't lose the Kim Seul Gie charm even when she's telling off the king, so you know this is going to be darn good.
The relationship with the king is a cracker. He appreciates her forwardness and bluntness but he also gets the brunt end of it too.
I really loved the historical moments of this drama as well. I normally don't appreciate history but it was pretty darn epic!
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There's a lot of pretty to this drama.
These guys take themselves way too seriously.
There's not much of a plot, or bromance, and I think the show was a little tied down by the “message” of being in your 20s.
Too much reflection for this kind of genre.
Chi Ho
“Chi Ho's goal was to keep breathing.”
This guy is shallow and aimless and spoiled.
Kyung Jae
Kyung Jae is super shy and easily embarrassed. He's really concerned about what other people think of him. I like the dynamic of how respectful and careful he is around his sunbae romance. His friends say,
“Don't go and raise the bar of the rest of us please.”
He wants to impress her.
Dong Woo
I don't even know what to say about this guy. He was just there.
Verdict: I think I should stick to Korean dramas.
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This drama was pretty shaky. I sped watched the middle but I liked the ending. I think the characters all really started to shine again.
Mi Do - Shin Se Kyung
I haven't heard good things about this actress.
Her acting is appropriate to the scenario because she's depressed. And even if the actress isn't good, the character that she plays is written well. Mi Do is steely, a little volatile and she doesn't mess around. And definitely doesn't back down even if it gets her into trouble. I appreciated her resolve and she's not clueless either.
She's also not intimidated by the second female lead or the second male lead's forwardness.
She's a sad little thing and pretty much never happy which can be super annoying at times.
Tae Sang
Song Seung Heon is really excellent. His character is quite broody but he doesn't make it boring. The way he talks and his body language, he really owns the personality and the mood while still giving a lot of energy.
He handles Mi Do's pride with care. It's unusual to have such a kind chaebol. Tae Sang's character is fabulous until you get to the middle of the drama.
His gangster side does come up now and then. I liked how he is not a character that has it altogether. He is sincere and earnest and he tries so hard.
“Sorry that I'm stupid.”
He freely admits that he's never dated and that he doesn't know what to say. He's adorable. But he learns quickly. And Mi Do lets him know the rights and wrongs. I love him.
Friendship
The side characters are really strong. There are so many great brother relationships in this drama. The loyalty and the comradeship is A+. I like the trust and respect between the men. They are such mother hens to each other wanting to look after their hyung or their dongsaeng.
“You're my friend, my father, and my only family.”
The heroine also has a cute relationship with her brother. I love how much he admires her. He really thinks she's cool and awesome. And I like that she seeks him out when she's down because she knows she's safe with him and he can cheer her up.
Chang Hee
This guy is an awesome domestic goddess and such a great brother.
Jae Hee - “You sound like a grandmother.”
Chang Hee - “It's good to have a grandmother.”
Romance
What romance? This is so very screwed up.The drama should be called “When a Man's Obsessed”.
Tae Sang comes on way too strong.
First Half
Tae Sang and Mi Do have a really good dynamic. It's nice for a change that the girl is a little grumpy and unpredictable and that she likes physical affection. I like how real they feel because they go through their ups and downs and their feelings are all over the place. Their romance isn't clear cut at all. I liked the depiction of their uncertainty, their frustrations, and their struggles to make it work.
“Dad, let me date Han. I can dump him anytime if he's no good.”
I like that Mi Do takes charge of the relationship because he's so clueless. Han's lack of social graces is so endearing.
They have some beautiful cheeky moments together. There were times when I totally shipped the serious Mi Do and the sincere Han together. Other times, I completely felt the ill-fitting romance they were having. I can feel Mi Do's depression coming through and Han's frustration with her apathy. She takes his love for granted and acts like she's tolerating him. But on the flip side I liked her confidence in the romance.
I liked that the push and pull of the romance was a big part of the drama and that the tension surrounding it was a major anticipatory factor.
Jae Hee - Yeon Woo Jin
I was happy to see this actor again. He has a serious make out session. Probably the steamiest I've seen in Kdrama.
Music
I always appreciate a strings soundtrack.
Elders
I like it when there are different mothers because the drama feels less tropey, is that weird?
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This is by no means a good drama. Character development, plot development, relationship development, it's all lacking. Watch this for the heroine's competence, the second male lead's adorkable performance and Choi Jin Hyuk's perfect facial expressions.
It's pretty long at 21 episodes but the more I saw of the main couple and even the secondary couple, the more I liked them. It really is an enjoyable drama.
I wasn't looking forward to a medical drama but I actually found that I really started getting on board with the drama when the hospital work started.
There are plenty of insults and bickering being flung around but I just skipped over it.
Chang Min is pretty popular among the interns but Jin Hee is not. They call her the old lady so that amused me that Chang Min would fall back in love with her again. Despite all the antagonism it's not long before they are protecting each other in spur of the moment decisions.
I also like the concept that trivial matters like divorce don't matter in life and death situations. And people's real values and strengths can arise in a crisis.
The setting of the internship is also a nice background for leveling all the interns no matter what background they come from they are equal.
Finally, the dudes in this drama are pretty shy and gawky when it comes to romance which is always fun.
Chang Min
I am so ridiculously biased to Choi Jin Hyuk. He is one of my all time favourite actors to crush on. I was beyond excited to finally watch a drama where he gets the main role. I have to admit I was a little alarmed to see his personality at first. I've only ever seen him as kind and serious. Even in rom-coms. I wasn't sure if this show would ruin him for me but he's too handsome not to enjoy seeing him on the screen and his comic face gets me every time. He's hilarious. And when he turned the charm on...I was so done. I've also never seen him smile so much.
He gets fawned on a lot by women which I can understand, but it amuses me to have my crush on him so validated. His awkwardness when he's on the receiving end of attention is adorable. I especially liked that all the young things (and some older women too!) are chasing him around and he's just following after Jin Hee all the time.
Chang Min comes from a doctor family and he's very knowledgable. He always knows what's wrong with a patient and what to do. I was glad that he wasn't a braggart about that. He was a braggart about everything else though.
I really liked his acting after his crisis towards the end of the drama. It's a side of him that doesn't really appear throughout and I liked seeing his hopeless and listless portrayal. It was really effective.
Jin Hee
This girl is rocking the red hair. I love that she took her weaknesses and did something about them. She can be quite impulsive but she has the guts to respond in emergencies better than Chang Min.
Of course there are mistakes but she proves her competence again and again. It's brilliant.
Romance
“I don't remember it at all. About seducing a girl...how do I even start? How did I do it in the beginning?”
After Chang Min gets over his immaturity over the divorce he really is a oppa kind of hero. He likes to take care of everything for Jin Hee and I mean everything.
The pair had great chemistry. Both as colleagues and as a couple.
Chief Chun Soo
I liked this guy in Pinocchio so I was really happy to see him again. He maintains that awkwardness and abruptness that is so endearing.
He makes for a great boss with a past. Firm but compassionate and a little geeky.
He really became the highlight of the show for me. He's so good at smiling with his eyes.
Elders
I think this is a really good example of how much Jin Hee loves Chang Min that she can love his mother as well. I also find it amusing that really both Jin Hee and I were both most touched when Chang Min said, “I'll never let her yell at you again.”
Gwang Soo
I didn't think this weirdo would get a mention. But I did like him.
“If you practice a lot in music you don't make mistakes on stage. But you don't get to practice marriage, it starts right away as a live show. So of course accidents can happen. People aren't watermelons. You have to tap so many of them to choose one.”
Professor Shim
I liked how wholeheartedly she supported Chun Soon.
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I think I have a thing for tests and teamwork. I like the concept of a bunch of newbies entering a new program and undergoing trials together.
There are a lot of illogical things that happen but the important thing is that I could understand why the character did what they did in response to these illogical situations.
One subtle theme of this drama is the little things that can change the course of an individual's life.
Honestly, the messages of this drama didn't interest me very much and the musical inspiration and rade rah, the teacher pep talks and especially the teacher politics were all quite blah.
I liked how each individual had a different personality emerge when they were engaged in music. The grouch looked so happy when she was singing and the shy one was so confident when he was dancing.
Love Triangle
I liked how both the boys had a different foundation with Hye Mi. Jin Guk related to her on the basis of their lack of parenting and the troubles that they were both in.
Sam Dong's relationship with Hye Mi really was about the music. How because he chose her, he chose music and afterward, she helped him choose music. What happens to them because of this is pretty intense and done really well.
I have a thing for guys who can put up with the prickly girl.
Both the guys are lovely. And do things for Hye Mi that are quietly extravagant.
Also, that scene when Jason confronts Hye Mi about the love triangle is hilarious.
Hye Mi
“For the sake of my livelihood I am very tired.”
Hye Mi's in a tight spot. She is also really aggressive to the point of stupidity. She clings to her pride desperately.
Her self-preservation drives her to lash out at kindness. Even when she does care for people, she doesn't want them to be troubled by her burdens so she pushes them away.
It was a relief to see her icy facade begin to melt when she discovered altruism in life.
Similar to other characters, I learned to understand and appreciate her way of caring for people.
As for the actress, she's pretty awesome. I liked how different she looked from her little girl smiling face to her bitch face. She had a really effective range of expressions.
Hye Seong
This kid starts off as bratty but I really came to love her. She has a special relationship with Jin Guk. So adorable.
Sam Dong
“Sam Dong looks like a fool who only knows Hye Mi.”
Sam Dong is shy and awkward and innocent. I liked seeing him gain confidence in his music and how much attitude he had when he danced. Also how boyish and selfless he was in his love for Hye Mi.
He's a mama's boy and he's sensitive. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I loved his rawness.
Jin Guk was beautiful but Sam Dong's shining moments really just blew me away.
Jin Guk
Jin Guk is sort of the bad boy. But he's way too nice and patient. So, maybe it's better to say he's the too-cool-for-you kind of guy. I appreciated the little ways that he'd look out for people.
Unlike Hye Mi, he instantly melts under kindness.
Bromance / Sisterhood
I liked the dynamic of the boys with the worldly Jin Guk and the naive Sam Dong. The boys were also probably the first dudes to be so civil about their rivalry. I enjoyed their honest talks with each other.
I enjoyed the girl friendship in this. I feel like there's not a lot of girl relationship development in Kdramas.
Teachers
Student - “Mr. Yang looks young.”
Mr. Yang - “Last week, when I went for a drink, they asked for my ID.”
Mr. Kang - “That's because you look like a criminal.”
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I've never watched a mockumentary but I imagine this is what it's like. It's weird, but I like it for a change in pacing and to hear them air their feelings instead of having to stare longingly at each other.
The humour and the jabs at each other, I think, are much more Western. Also, each of the main characters has an older friend that they have no deference for which added to the more Western feel.
The drama is both wistful and edgy, a great combination. I like that it's not so fully padded with music like most dramas. Sometimes the cueing of the soundtrack in other dramas is annoying because it sort of forces the viewer to interpret a scene in a particular way.
Most of the big secrets in this drama stay secret for most of the episodes, and that's hella annoying.
Romance
This is second-chance romance done right. I like the maturity of it and how the characters got to explore what went wrong and view their growth as individuals and as a couple.
It's also got some really happy and cute moments that just made me feel really good. I like seeing people happy and in love.
There is heaps of kissing and skinship and fade-to-black bed moments.
Love Triangle
Yeo Reum's a pretty cool girl. I could see why the dudes liked her. I'd totally date her.
Yeo Reum and Ha Jin have a nice relationship. I like that. They are a couple I could really root for.
I think it's also a nice set-up to have a misunderstanding between Ha Jin and Tae Ha so that neither of them are the bad guy.
Ha Jin
“I don't quite understand...but I don't love with my head. I just...decided to trust her. Since I love her.”
This guy is so cool. First, his voice is to die for. And he says the kindest kindest things that are just too good for someone who's been lied to and possibly cheated on. He loves unconditionally even when he's been kicked and stabbed in the back.
He has some amazing, swoonworthy, marry-me-now, lines. I've come across plenty of Kdrama heroes that I've adored but I have literally never wanted to have someone in my life like I want Ha Jin.
I'm a little surprised that even though Yeo Reum is in the wrong, Ha Jin goes so easy on her. He actually goes easy on other people too. He is a painfully nice guy but he's definitely not a pushover either.
He also has such an epic smug face.
Yeo Reum
She's more of a modern girl. This I like. Even though she's more on the selfish side, it's always good to see someone who's more proactive in their life. I like that she takes charge. She is both cutesy and bug-eyed and a menace at the same time. It's great. I think these Kdramas are skewering my morals because I'll transfer my self-righteous feminism onto the next heroine even if she's really bad as long as she stands up for herself regardless if she's right or wrong.
Her independent nature shines through because she doesn't want to get married without being able to financially support herself.
Yeo Reum's confidence knows no bounds and she's steadfastly self-assured. While I've described some heroines in that way, she really takes the cake. Nothing shakes her.
I like that this drama has the feel of a rom-com but Yeo Reum is a competent and professional business woman right from the get-go.
Supporting characters
I loved Joon Ho and Sol. They're so great. The way they play advocate for Ha Jin and Yeo Reum and get involved in the powerplay of the relationship is so hilarious. They're on the sidelines giving advice, making judgment calls and giving their opinion.
Joon Ho
This guy is definitely one of the best secondary characters ever. I loved his personality. How he's a bit showy but all heart and how he works so hard to keep his friends happy. He always made me laugh with his dedication and the way he'd constantly get caught in the middle of his pals' domestics as he tries to protect everyone. His loyalty to Sol is great even though it's not always smart. He's a real oppa and he takes care of Yeo Reum too.
Sol
Sol is AWESOME. I've liked this actress since seeing her in Flower Boy Next Door. She's even better here and gets more screen time. Sol is my new favourite. She is probably the one person that can pull off the cutesy voice. Her relationship with Joon Ho is so much fun and they're just like brothers and sisters.
Sol is such a fun personality and so so so cute. But she doesn't just specialise in the laughs. I feel every emotion with her as she goes through heartbreak and everything.
She is also incredibly loyal and sweet. And I want her as my best friend.
Tae Ha
Tae Ha has a lot of regret. When he runs into Yeo Reum again he is totally hung up on her.
When Yeo Reum starts being nice to him again, his giddy delight is so cute.
Also, depressed Tae Ha is really funny.
The important thing about Tae Ha is that he doesn't baby her. Rather, he'd prefer to spend his energy in achieving things that she wants to do.
Elders
I was pleased to see different actors for the mothers in this drama instead of the same old ones every time. I like that instead of owning a restaurant like all Korean mother's do, Yeo Reum's mother works an office job.
Ah Rim
I feel bad, but she was a really annoying character.
Ending
The final episode is fine. But it kind of doesn't address everything that I hoped it would. It doesn't seem to serve the purpose of a finale that summarises what the drama was about. The drama touches on a lot of things about dating relationships and I felt like it tried out here and there but never committed to a solid theme like I was expecting and hoping for.
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The dilemmas that the drama presents are also great. They have some creative ideas to keep the story moving and exploring the characters and the relationships more. I liked seeing how they would respond to a variety of circumstances.
Romance
I love that Hyun Wook likes Yoo Kyung from the start.
He's pretty gruff but I was impressed that even at the antagonistic stage of the relationship he cheered her up by telling her all the great things about her.
When Hyun Wook starts out the list of all the reasons he doesn't want to like her (I hate this cliché) Yoo Kyung has none of it. Yasss.
Hyun Wook is pretty mean to Yoo Kyung but she gives it back to him which is awfully satisfying.
Gong Hyo Jin is awesome in her chemistry because she always has these genuine moments of connection. And they're always unique to the couple.
Hyun Wook
I like that he's not the all-powerful rich chaebol. He actually gets stepped on quite a lot by people who poke at his confidence and basically if anyone says, “Why, you scared?” then he feels he can't say anything back which is such stupid logic.
Yoo Kyung
Right from the start, she's great. Competent and confident. That's all I could ask for in a heroine. I like that no one's stepping on her and she knows how to avoid trouble. She is incredibly stubborn and persistent and hard working.
Yoo Kyung really wants to learn and she doesn't mind laying down her pride for the sake of her education. She's smart. I like it.
I like that she keeps the hero on his toes and she's really upfront. She'll let people know when she's unhappy with them.
She also doesn't forgive easy which I appreciated. She's definitely not a goody two shoes.
She's the kind of feisty that I can understand why a guy would like it. She's fun.
Kim San - second male lead
Yoo Kyung - “Is scaring me, lying to me, your hobby?”
Kim San - “Yes.”
Sae Young
She's a bit hoity toity but I liked that she was rivals with Yoo Kyung and was so civil about it.
I also started to like her when the boys started to rebel against her gender and she told them where they could shove their sexism.
Secondary Characters
The girls were just plain annoying. I had no interest in them and skipped over all their conversation and schemes.
The guys of the kitchen had a much more interesting dynamic with bro-ship and loyalty and competition between the “Italy” and Korean team.
The Korean team got more and more annoying and rude to Seo Yoo Kyung. I was so frustrated with their stupidity and their illogical thought processes in the way they blamed her for everything constantly or tried to cut her out.
The Italian team was a lot more fun and of course better looking! Haha.
Also, the beautiful Choi Jin Hyuk is one of the boys from Italy and his voice.... *sigh....so great.
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Most first episodes you can miss. But you don't want to miss this one. Also, the drama gets better and better as it goes along.
Eun Sol is the one who carries the drama the first half, but the second half, Ji Heon really is awesome.
You never know where the show is going to take you.
I liked that there were nonromantic non slow mo hugs involved.
Ji Heon's Dad
I grew to like this character really quickly. The fact that he's so down to earth with Eun Sol is great. It's nice that she has allies. He's a dad that really wants his son to succeed.
The things he does for community service is so funny.
I really liked him.
“Even though I meet a lot of women, I stick to my own age bracket.” Gahahaaha.
I also really like his relationship Eun Sol and how he wants to so desperately accept her but knows all the troubles that will come with it.
The actor really conveys the blustery, tempestuous personality with the soft-hearted side.
He's probably also one of the first Kdrama parents to apologise to the children for yelling at them. I love that he wants to start again with Ji Heon and be a better father to him.
Mu Won
I love his facial expressions. He's very cute and polite and he has a husky voice that does tingly things to my insides.
Mu Won - “Have you eaten?”
Eun Sol - “What?”
“If you haven't eaten, let's eat together. Even if you have eaten, eat again with me.”
His little fights with his cousin amused me because Mu Won is so mature but sometimes Ji Heon just gets on his nerves. I like the clashes they have and all the power plays and the way Mu Won is so cool about it.
Mu Won - “Do you want to eat together?”
Ji Heon - “No...why would I eat with...”
“Great. I don't want to, either. So, goodbye.”
Mu Won's a well-behaved gentleman so I like that Eun Sol advises him to, “stage a strategic revolt”.
He's kind of like a preppy high school girl who wants to experiment but just can't.
He is a beautiful creature and has the loveliest love confession but he's too scared to hear the answer. I loved that montage as he tries to avoid hearing her response.
In Episode 7....gah! I loved seeing his playful side. He definitely enjoys annoying Ji Heon more than he actually likes No Eun Sol.
“Are Ji Heon and I that annoying?..then you can just play around with us.” tehehe.
It was fun to see him relive his childhood or basically be immature for once in his life.
Finally, his shocked face whenever Eun Sol does something rowdy is just the best. The best.
Eun Sol's Dad
I really appreciate the continuing theme Myeong Ran and Eun Sol are confident women because their parents treasured them. As Eun Sol's father says, “Is your child the only precious one? My daughter is also very precious.” I like that they were brought up knowing that it's not the money that's valuable.
It's also great that with Ji Heon being such a sissy boy, that he has to gain the approval of Eun Sol's dad's more manly perspectives.
Romance
I really could not envision the chemistry working out. In most noona romances, the woman is still really childish and needs taking caring of by the younger hero. But Eun Sol really is like a mother to him to the point that it's sweet how she babies him.
I like that Ji Heon falls in love first. I think it's only appropriate considering the nature of the relationship.
When she confronts him about him liking her, he goes into the usual spiel of all the reasons he wouldn't like her. It doesn't phase her, she's still like, “So? What does that have to do with anything? Do you like me or not?”
“Why, why can't you accept my feelings?”
“First of all...”
*gasps “What, there's a number two?”
As the drama progresses, I began to understand Ji Heon's feelings for Eun Sol and how she became everything to him and it wasn't icky and weird but based on friendship and selflessness.
I really like how they outlined the relationship in Episode 8. How Eun Sol's rant at him really woke him up to how he was relating to her. And it wasn't all sunshine and roses.
When they do get together it's not very clear.
Eun Sol
I like that Eun Sol's personality remains consistent and her quirks continue throughout the drama. She doesn't change just because she falls in love.
Of course, Ji Heon tests her limits as a secretary. I like that she prevails.
Ji Heon - “Ah, what kind of woman is she? She's so ruthless!”
The heroine's voice is very low. It's a nice different from the tendency of Korean heroines to have a whiny voice. I like that she's not the type to apologise a hundred times. I like that she's a realist and not a fairytale optimist from the get-go.
I found myself looking forward to getting to know and love her.
I like that she owns her outbursts. She doesn't back down from her decisions. She sees them through.
She might say the wrong things, but she's not clueless. In fact, a lot of the times she's right on the ball. Her common sense is so uncommon in Kdrama heroines.
I like that she doesn't get tongue tied and she can say what needs to be said without dragging out long misunderstandings. She doesn't take crap lying down from anyone. She is an unusually quick thinker and when someone threatens her she threatens them right back.
In Episode 4 when she head butts him, she completely stole my heart.
Although I don't condone manhandling or intimidating, I do like that she does it to him as much as he does it to her.
Eun Sol really gives it to Ji Heon when he tries to put the moves on her. She is so brilliant.
She also isn't afraid to tease him about her relationship with his cousin.
I also like that she really gives it to him straight about the kind of relationship they have. I think she's the first heroine to really lay it down that working tirelessly is not as easy or as stress-free as other Kdramas portray.
She seems more like a noona to the cousins and she makes fun of Mu Won's lack of fighting skills.
Her practical side sometimes makes her seem cold and I like that she hardly ever cries.
Ji Heon
“I know you can solve the problem on your own. But you also have to tell me about it.” ~ Ji Heon
I can't believe the actor was the 34 when he filmed this. He acts so convincingly as a child. He does have a disorder but that's not a good enough excuse for me.
I liked when he started to try and look out for Eun Sol in his own weird way.
When he starts to let her help him, it gets even better.
He's an extremely prickly character who doesn't like this or that and doesn't like to be touched either. In the beginning he acts like he doesn't care what anyone thinks but of course he's a big baby and when he starts putting in the effort and trying he really enjoys the approval.
Responsibility is really hot. Haha. Ji Heon definitely became more attractive to me as he started growing up.
His immaturity also works in his favour too because he's not as prone to hide behind arrogance and image because he knows he doesn't really have one.
His stance on romance is simple, but effective. He's also encouraging.
It's weird how his character developed such depth and presented a side to Ji Heon that I would never have suspected, yet the writers lay the foundation so you realise it was always there.
He also apologises for wrist grabs.
Even as he grows up, he doesn't lose his cluelessness, “What? You're also dating an assistant manager?” ahahahaha.
By the end of it, I really believed in his character and his love for No Eun Sol.
Myeong Ran
I loved her as the best friend. She is a little on the large side which is great and she's just as kickass. And she's my first solid best friend in a Kdrama. She has a low voice too and that made the friendship seem more mature for some reason.
I liked that she has fun together with Eun Sol. It's not just that she's someone to complain to or a shoulder to cry on. They get along so well and can just let loose with each other and have inside jokes and dance and sing together.
Myeong Ran's ferocity really cracked me up. I like how the rich didn't dare cross her. Her strange relationship with Na Yun was hilarious.
The Ex – Na Yun
I kind of liked that she was a bit less controlled than other second female leads. She doesn't have it all together. She also really cares about Ji Heon even when she contemplates revenge, she won't go through with it.
She also wears her heart on her sleeves and she's not cool at all. She actively tries to prove herself to Eun Sol and this made her seem much more real.
I like that she chokes on her food and that she makes friends with Myeong Ran.
Elders
I liked the theme of the main characters outsmarting/rebelling against the parents.
There are scheming elders but I'm glad that the elders scheme amongst themselves and get in the way of each other and so it's not all up to the poor younger folk to dodge their machinations.
Also, Eun Sol has no trouble standing up to the elders. She's not intimidated or deferential at all. She's so direct with them, “Please don't come to this crappy neighbourhood with your crappy attitudes anymore.”
Surprisingly, the children of the annoying elders also learn to get a backbone and confront their mothers. For the win.
Fashion
Bow ties are always fun. Ji Heon wears a backpack which emphasises his kid look.
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She takes charge of the relationship and Gyeon Woo gets forced into the boyfriend role of a rather unstable woman.
They get into all sorts of crazy situations.
Gyeon Woo faithfully follows and supports. And he has some great lines when she needs it.
Overall, this film gave me a sort of grubby feeling and never really captured my attention. I couldn't really root for either main character and their romance was very bleh.
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